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Well… Summer’s just about over and your skin has taken a lot of abuse. UV rays have broken down collagen and weakened elastin.. Your skin may have a healthy tan, but deep down, your dehydrated, pigmented skin is yelling for help.

This fabulous treatment will help your skin get back to optimal health and ready for peel season!
(Only to be done by your aesthetic professional)

Organic Passion Peptide Resurfacing Treatment step by step:

1. Double cleanse. First cleanse is done with Vital C hydrating cleanser. A creamy, hydrating cleanser that removes all makeup and impurities. With its famous orange peel smell and a luxurious creamy feel, your skin will soak up all the goodness resulting in nothing but a soft glow.

This layer stays on for a good 5 minutes, then rinsed off. Your skin will already look & feel fantastic!

4. Next, comes a layer of the Ormedic Balancing Soothing Gel Masque..

An ultra-gentle, organic cooling gel masque formulated for compromised, inflamed or irritated skin. Organic Aloe Vera, Arnica Montana and licorice quickly help reduce redness and other signs of irritation while bringing sensitive skin into healthy balance. (Also may used at home 3 times a week for highly reactive, rosacea or acneic skin types). Check out the list of key ingredients below… What an incredible masque!

5. After removing the Gel Masque, a 25% hyaluronic acid (HA) facial enhancer is applied. HA is a super hydrator and is well known for its plumping & filling effect, which is what Juvederm and other injectable fillers are made of.

It’s also a major component of skin, where it is involved in tissue repair. When skin is exposed to excessive UVB rays, it becomes inflamed (sunburn) and the cells in the dermis stop producing as much HA, and increase the rate of its deterioration. HA deterioration products then accumulate in the skin after UV exposure. (This is one of the reasons why this treatment is great after a summer of sun!)

There’s something about 7 women in a closet sized room, lasering each other’s hair off (Brazilian being one) that brings a sense of closeness.

After a fun-filled week with these amazing women, I feel compelled to write all I have learned about laser hair removal.

First and foremost, What does “LASER” mean?

Did you know the word “LASER” is an acronym which means…LightAmplification byStimulatedEmission ofRadiation

The term “radiation” is often misinterpreted because the term is also used to describe radioactive materials or ionizing radiation. The use of the word in this context, however, refers to an energy transfer. Energy moves from one location to another by conduction, convection, and radiation and cannot alter DNA structure.

How does it work?

Basically, lasers cause localized damage to the hair by selectively heating dark target matter, melanin, in the area that causes hair growth, the follicle, while not heating the rest of the skin.

Is every laser created equal?

No. Different companies have different names for their lasers, but the two main lasers out there today are: Alexandrite (755) or the “Alex” & YAG (1064). This one in particular is what I was trained on and is the latest. It actually has both Alex and Yag in one machine! Don’t quote me on this, but I don’t think there’s another two-in-one out there right now. Very convenient since both are significantly different from each other. Why?…

Alex vs YAG… What’s the difference?

Alex (755)-

Attracted to melanin (treats hair and pigmented lesions)

Great on fair skin (skin types I – III).

Not recommended for skin types IV – VI.

No sun exposure for at least 4 weeks prior to treatment.

Better on thin hair.

Most report less discomfort than “YAG”.

More effective laser (usually less treatments are needed).

Here’s a perfect example of a skin type II ideal for the “Alex” laser…

Hair grows in several phases (anagen, telogen, catagen) and a laser can only affect the currently active growing hair follicles (anagen). This is why several sessions are needed to kill hair in all phases of growth.

The actual number of sessions depends on various parameters, including the area of the body being treated, skin color, coarseness of hair, reason for hirsutism, and gender.

Average number of treatments:
Face: 6-10 treatments every 4-6 weeks.
Body: 4-6 treatments every 8-12 weeks.

Can all hair colors be treated?

No. Laser does not work well on light-colored hair, red hair (sorry Carrot Top), grey hair, white hair, as well as fine hair of any color, such as vellus.
Coarse dark hair on light skin is easiest to treat (ideal candidate: Snow White… or the guy below will do).

What are the most common side-effects and risks?

During treatment: discomfort.

Post treatment (most common): itching, redness, and swelling (perifollicular edema) around the treatment area. These side effects rarely last more than three days.

Unwanted side effects and risks: hypo- or hyper-pigmentation, blistering, scarring, skin texture changes, flare of acne, swelling around the hair follicle, scab formation, purpura, infection and burning of the skin.

What areas can be treated?
If it grows hair.. Then, yes it can be treated (as long as there isn’t any underlying contraindications).

What are the contraindications?

In other words, if you have any of these conditions or are taking any of the meds listed, you CANNOT be treated?

Pregnant

Gold Therapy (If you don’t know what this is, then you have never had it)

Herpes (pre-treat with an antiviral drug such as Valtrex… But, if active, cannot be treated until dormant again)

How do I prepare for laser hair removal?

No waxing, tweezing, or electrolysis for 4 weeks prior.

If you have fair skin (skin types I -III), no sun exposure for at least 4 weeks.

If you have darker skin (types IV – VI), no sun for 3-5 days.

No threading for 10 days

No self-tanner for 14 days

Shave the area being treated the same day or the night before

No make-up, lotion or deodorant should be worn on the day of your treatment

No topical Retin-A for 3-5 days

No oral Retin-A for 3 weeks

No Accutane for 6 months

How much does it cost?

Clearly, prices are going to vary from country to state to city to town…
Prices can range anywhere from $100 per area per treatment to $900 per area per treatment (all depends on the size of the area and amount of hair). Yes, it can be costly, but let’s take into consideration the amount of money we all spend on razors, waxing, threading, plucking.

Are there any post-treatment instructions?

Yes!.. And please follow strictly.

No sun exposure for 1 week (if blistered or burned, then stay out of the sun until healed… unless you want to scar)

Apply cool compresses to red or swollen area.

No Retin A for 24 hours

No direct heat for 24 hours (ie: hot showers.. This is a tough one for me, since I truly love mine… but I do follow this religiously as I have learned the hard way.. hehehe)

1. Retinol A Why: Stimulates collagen production, which targets fine lines and can result in a tighter, younger-looking complexion.When: At night only!! I use mine twice a week, but that all depends on your skin type and age.My Fav: Image MD Reconstructive Repair Crème

4. Gentle CleanserWhy: Because your skin needs a break from acids, sulfates, and parabens to heal and for optimal skin health.When: I use mine in the morning and after peels, lasers, Ulthera or any intense treatment done to my face.My Fav: Image The Max Facial Cleanser

5. Daily Moisturizer with Sunblock Why: Do I have to explain this one??? Surprisingly, so many of us DO NOT use this daily. People.. This is your fountain of youth! A proper sunscreen helps protect your skin from sunburn, early aging, and skin cancer. Need I say more…When: Every day! (even if it’s cloudy). Don’t forget to reapply every 2 hours if out in the sun. According to American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen needs to be at least SPF 30, UVA and UVB protectant, and water resistant.My Fav: Image Daily Defense Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30

6. Self-TannerWhy: Perfect for a healthy glow without the damaging effects of UV rays.When: I like to apply mine once a week at night.. I love waking up to a glowing face and body.My Fav: Image Body Spa Face & Body Bronzer Crème

10. Eyelash Growth Enhancer Why: As we get older, lashes become more sparse and lose length. Lash enhancers contain ingredients that promote length and fullness.When: Apply once a day morning or night… Tip: If redness or irritation occurs, apply only in the morning.My Fav: I actually have two.. Latisse for pm use and Image Ageless Lashes for am use.. Best of both worlds!

Take charge of your beauty cabinet, get rid all the junk and stock up on the essentials needed for healthy, glowing skin… I promise you WILL love your skin again!